Friday, December 28, 2012

Date Night at "O"

Boys,
 
Babysitters oh yeah! Mema and Tutu time! That's right! Tonight was date night for mommy and daddy. Since you two came into our lives, a lot of things have changed. We get less sleep, but we have more smiles. We get less free time, but we have more laughs. Everything has completely changed for the better. You guys are a lot of work though, especially for mommy. She spends her days feeding and taking care of you guys, and so sometimes, she needs a break. That is part of the reason we have date night. It is time for mommy and daddy to go do something fun together. And, you guys get to spend time with a couple of your favorite babysitters.
 
Tonight was a special date night. Tonight, mommy and daddy got to go see a show on the strip called "O". Brooklyn's mom, Bre, works backstage at "O" so she hooked us up with free tickets! It was pretty awesome. We got to sit in the light-box. These are special seats that are high up at the top of the theater. We could see everything from our seats. It was pretty neat.
 
That was our view of the massive curtain prior to showtime. Our seats allowed us to see things that other people couldn't like divers in the water. We could see things before others like acrobats descending from the ceiling.

 It was a very neat experience. The show was amazing and our view made it even better.
 
After the show, Bre gave us a backstage tour. While we waited for her to come up, they stuck us in this crazy break room. There were costumes and statues and awards everywhere.

It is pretty neat but a little creepy too. Lastly, there was a wall of heads. That was when I thought for sure that Bre was secretly an alien and that we were done for. The wall of heads was pretty crazy.

I thought for sure that we were going to added to that wall. But, we survived. I still cannot prove that Bre isn't an alien, but she did let us live.

The wall of heads are metal head created in the likeness of performers who have left the show. If we ever get invited back, I am bringing a home made paper mache replica of my noggin. I will get on that wall one way or another.
 
It was a great night. Your mom and I had a lot of fun, but we missed you guys so much. When we got home, we sat in both your rooms for just a little while and watched you sleep.
 
We love you guys so much!
 
Love,
Dad





 

 
 


Monday, December 24, 2012

Christmas Eve at Nana's...

Spoiled Dudes,
 
That's right! I said it! You guys are so spoiled. It is only Christmas Eve and you are already loaded up with gifts. The Barrow Family always does gifts on Christmas Eve, so that Santa can do his thing on Christmas Day. It makes it fun.
 
You guys loved it. This is how you guys spent the majority of your Christmas Eve...

One stuffed psycho dog and a Staples box for the win. I mean how could it get much better than this...
 
But, all this excitement in a box was to much for one of you. Boston, you ended up crashed in your mommy's arms before too long. You were snoozing your Christmas Eve away.
 
Brax, you took over the box for yourself.

That was...until you discovered the tissue paper. The only thing that could defeat the Staples box was the tissue paper.
 
But...that wasn't all.

Merry Christmas Little Dudes...

Love,
Dad

 

Sunday, December 23, 2012

Cousins At Christmas...

Dear Boys,
 
We are pretty lucky that everyone lives so close to us. Holidays are sometimes so chaotic because we have so much family to visit in such a short amount of time. But, the nice part of that is that you guys get to see your cousins often. Kennedy and Shane live just over the hill and Raiden lives in Utah. This makes it possible for all of you guys to spend time together and for us to snag some great pictures like these ones...

It is a lot of fun to have family so close. It is great to have your cousins around at Christmas.

I love you guys!

Love,
Dad


 

Saturday, December 22, 2012

SANTA! I KNOW HIM!...

Boys,
 
As soon as Halloween ends, your mom is ready to prepare for Christmas. She loves Christmas. She loves giving presents, but I think she likes getting them more...just kidding. She loves to decorate the house with nativities, snowmen, fake snow, lights, and trees. But, most of all, she loves SANTA!
 
Whenever the name Santa is said in the Barrow household, your mom will shout out "SANTA! I KNOW HIM!" at the top of her lungs. The neighbors can hear it, the people across the street can hear it...heck, I bet the North Pole can hear it. By the time you can talk, your mom will expect you to know that line. It is essential to living under her roof.
 
Her favorite Christmas movie is "Elf". She loves this movie and can watch it day or night, any time of the year. It is one of her favorites of all time. It can always make her laugh...so whenever she thinks of Santa, she thinks of this...


Today, she must have shouted it out a thousand times. Like "it must have down poured" or "we have chocolate cake", "Santa! I know him!" has become part of the Barrow vocabulary. There are some four letter words in that vocabulary that come out when board games are played but I will let Nana explain those. Anyways, today was Santa day! If you yelled "Santa! I know him!" as you read that then you are catching on.

Mema and Tutu came with us to take you guys to see the big man. They were pretty excited. Usually for Tutu, that means one of you guys was going to get squeezed.
 
Luckily, you guys are always happy to be squeezed.
 
So, we got you guys ready and made our way to see Santa. If you know him, then you are catching on. You guys were decked out for the twinkle eyed fat man.
 
But, like you dad, when lines are too long you get a little impatient. You might furrow your brow and stare with a scowl. But, it is OK because Santa (I Know Him) is on his way.
 
But, in the end, it is worth because you got to sit on the big man's lap and with a smile, you took pictures like a champs!

 Your first picture with Santa was a huge success. The line was long, the people were crazy and the elves were short. And, with all the excitement, you guys crashed.

That would have been enough for me for one day. But, it is Christmas time so your mom is like one of Santa's elves. Go, go, go! So, after Santa, we headed downtown with Brooklyn and Bre to watch the classic Henderson Christmas Parade on Water Street. Bundled up and trying not to freeze, you guys sat in your stroller and watched intently as the lights went by.

 Whew! What a day! Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!
 
I love you boys!
 
Love,
Dad

 


 







 


 


Friday, December 21, 2012

Dancing Out of Your Shoes...

Boston,
 
Sometimes, I cannot even believe how much you smile. You seem to always be having a good time. This weekend, you were dancing out of your shoes.

Even with just one show on, you were smiling away as you continued to dance and bounce.
 
What a happy boy!
 
I love you,
 
Love,
Dad

 


 


Thursday, December 20, 2012

Ethel M Christmas Lights...

Dudes,
 
Tonight, we had a great time. One of the benefits to living in Nevada is that it is not totally freezing at night. So, this evening, Mommy and I were able to take you to Ethel M to look at their massive light display. Brooklyn and Bre joined us too. It was a lot of fun.
 
Ethel M has a huge desert garden filled from top to bottom with lights. You guys love to look at Christmas lights, so you guys were talking and giggling as we walked around.
 
Christmas is almost here!
 
I love you guys!
 
Love,
Dad



Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Sometimes...You Just Gotta Giggle...

Dear boys,
 
Sometimes, when life is tough and you are tired...you just gotta giggle.
It lookes like you guys already got that down though.
 
When we were over at Papi's last night, you guys wouldn't stop laughing at the water bottle. This is even the tail end of your laughter. You were laughing even harder before the video was taken. It was pretty hysterical.
 
Thanks for making me laugh and smile last night guys!
 
I love you guys!
 
Love,
Dad


Monday, December 17, 2012

Almost Time for Christmas...

Braxton,
 
You were so excited for Christmas that you tried to take the tree down!

TIMBER!

I love you!

Love,
Dad


Sunday, December 16, 2012

Friday, December 14, 2012

We Have No Words...

Dear sons,
 
Today, I stressed about you both a little more.
Today, I missed you both a little harder.
Today, I looked at your pictures a little bit more.
Today, I rushed home a little faster.
Today, I held you both a little longer.
Today, I hugged you both a little tighter.
Today, I kissed you both a little more.
Today, I watched you both sleep a little longer.
Today, I prayed for you both a little harder.
Today, I thanked God for you both a little more.
 
Today, I just wanted to let you two know just how mush I love each of you. I love both of you so much. I want you to always remember just how much your dad loves and cares about you both. Don't ever forget that I think the world of you both. Don't ever forget that I am always here for both of you. Don't ever forget that I love you both with all my heart and soul. But, more than all of that, don't ever forget that you can always talk to your old man.
 
Throughout life, I hope that you both confide in me. I hope that you both come to me with questions. I hope you both talk to me as a father and a friend. Throughout my life, I have confided in my dad a great deal. Your Papi has always been there for me and I cherish that relationship. That is a relationship that I hope to have with both of you in the future.
 
I am so ready for those talks. I am ready for the questions and concerns. I simply cannot wait for those experiences. However, on occasion, you will have questions that I cannot answer.
 
Today, I had one of those questions. The question was simple enough. It was "WHY?"I have had that question before. I asked when I was deathly ill as a child. I asked it after the terrorist attacks on September 11th, 2001. I asked it when I was ill as a high school student. I asked when I suffered from severe depression. I asked it after my Uncle John passed away. And, I asked it again today.
 
Today was a horrific day. And, the only question I could ask was WHY?
 
Often times, throughout life, your faith will be tested. And, in those moments, you will ask God why...
 
Why do horrible things happen in this world? Why does God allow horrible things to happen.
 
And, in those moments, we have to remember that there are some things that we just don't understand. We have to remember that there are some truths that we are simply not ready for. Sometimes, there are just no words to explain why something horrible occurs. Sometimes, there is just no logical or comforting explanation. Often times, no explanation will do. Sometimes...we have no words. 
 
And, in those moments, your old man will have no answer either. There is no answer that will do. In those moments, we must turn to our faith in our Savior and his heavenly plan. We must remember the plan that He set out for all of us. We must remember His love for us. We must remember that He has  felt all of our pains. And, in those moments, we can find peace. We can find peace in the reality that he is in control of our lives. We can find peace in the knowledge that our Savior died for us. We can find peace in moments of dispair if we remember to go to Him.
 
Throughout life, you will experience pain. Throughout life, you will wonder why. Throughout life, you will have emotional responses to situations that impact you both directly and indirectly. Today, for me, was one of those days. It is a day I will never forget. It is a day that reminded me of many things.
 
It was day that reminded me to...
 
Be a little kinder
Be a little happier
Smile a little bigger
Laugh a little harder
Love a little more
 
It was a day that reminded me to be thankful for everyday of my life. It was a day that reminded me of all my blessings. It was a day that reminded me to love my family a little more and to show each of them a little better. It was a day that made me want to be a better person.
 
For each of those flames that was put out too soon, I am thankful that I know who is hugging each of them now. I feel blessed to know that God has 26 more angels in his mist. I feel blessed to know that as He looked down and wept on Friday...He also embraced each of those terrified little children tightly and wiped away each of their tears. I feel blessed to know that they are in His embrace. And, while I still wonder why...I feel blessed for my knowledge of Him.
 
I am blessed to know that Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me...do not hinder them. For to such belongs the kingdom of heaven."
 
 
I love you boys very much. But, even as much as I love you both, your Heavenly Father loves you more. Your Savior loves you more than you could every imagine. He laid his life down for each of us. And, we must never forget that. So, even in the hard times...even in the times when we begin to ask why...even in the times when we have no words...we must remember Him and his redeeming sacrifice.
 
I love you so much!
 
Love,
Dad


Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Coolest Onesie Ever...

Every once in a while, you come across an exceptional onesie. In those moments, you may chuckle a little. But, there is one onesie that beats them all. Just a chuckle will not do, especially if you add one of those beefy arms for good measure. It looks good coming out the back of his neck.
 
TROGDOR!!!!
 
TROGDOR!!! Burninating the countryside! TROGDOR!!!
 
Still have no idea what I am talking about? If so, I have no time for you.
 
See, look just how happy he is to be in the TROGDOR!!!
 
If you still don't know why this is so awesome, please click the link!
 
Now, you know what I am talking about.
 
"TROGDOR was a man...
 
He was a dragon man...
 
He was just a dragon...
 
But he was still TROGDOR!"


Monday, December 10, 2012

Will Ride for Naps...

Sometimes, you just need a little movement to take a nap. 
 


Sunday, December 09, 2012

Fresh Squeezed Lemonade...

Dear Braxton,
 
Yesterday, we went Christmas shopping at the mall. During the holiday season, your mom likes to spend a lot of time at the mall. One of my favorite things about going to the mall (and trust me, I don't have many favorite things about the mall) is Auntie Anne's. I love a good pretzel and a strawberry lemonade after a long day of dodging idiots at the mall. At least now, I can run over the idiots with your stroller.
 
Like most trips to the mall, we ended up sharing a pretzel and a strawberry lemonade. Your brother was snoozing, and you wanted to share with mommy. You kept trying to take her corn dog and steal her straw. Eventually, she gave in. She doubted your ability to suck the lemonade through the straw...
But, she was wrong...
 
You showed her and got a mouthful of sour goodness for your troubles. At first, you weren't sure how you felt about it. It caught us all by surprise. But, that didn't stop you from trying over and over again to get more.
I love you Sour Face.
 
Love,
Dad
 


Saturday, December 08, 2012

Momma's Boy...

Braxton,
 
There is one thing in this world that brings a smile to your face faster than anything else. It is not surprising. It is pretty easy to guess what it is. She loves your brother and you more than anything in this whole wide world.  It is your momma. You are without a doubt...a momma's boy.

 As you can see. she doesn't only put a smile on your face...she puts you to sleep too.

I love you Brax!

Love,
Dad

Friday, December 07, 2012

Cartoons With Marles

Braxton,
 
There is something special about the relationship between a boy and his dog. You have taken a special liking to Marley. You seem to have claimed him as your dog and he seems to be happy about that. Whenever he comes around a big smile forms on your face. And, it isn't too long after that a loud laugh escapes you. You love his wagging tail and his silly bark. And, although you aren't sure about his slobbery kisses, he gives them to you anyways. And, on Saturday mornings, you enjoy cartoons from the best and warmest seat in the house. 
 


I love you Brax.

Love,
Dad
 
 
 


Thursday, December 06, 2012

Work with Uncle JoJo

Boston,
 
Today, you spent some time at my work helping Uncle JoJo take care of some customers. You seem to be doing a pretty good job. Jonas may be in trouble since you do is job better than he does.

I am in trouble since you already like buttons and keys so much. You are a lot like your dad and that can get expensive fast. But, it is not nearly as expensive as being like your mom, so that is a good thing. Keep up the good work buddy.

I love you.

Love,
Dad

Wednesday, December 05, 2012

A Day at RMI Management, LLC...

Boys,
 
It is always an awesome day when you guys come out to see me at work. I miss you guys so much when I am at work, and so it is always great when mommy is able to bring you out to see me. We usually enjoy lunch in the park and just hang out. However, today...it was too cold and windy to eat lunch in the park. You guys hate the wind.
 
So today, mommy and I ate lunch in the car while you guys napped. And, when you guys woke up, we took you inside to meet people at my work. And, you guys were a hit. Everyone wanted to hold you and see you. You guys were smiling and having a good ole time.
 
But, in the end, you favorite place was stealing the chair of my boss.
 

I love you guys!
 
Love,
Dad

Tuesday, December 04, 2012

Christmas Tree Crash...

Braxton,
 
Today, you had a death wish. While playing in your toy, you decided to see if you could knock over the Christmas tree. You ran into the branches and tried to pull them to you. The tree swayed, but your mommy stopped it from falling. It was pretty funny!
After almost taking it down, you agreed to pose for a quick pic.
 
Love you dude.
 
Love,
Dad


Monday, December 03, 2012

Lunchtime with Daddy...

Dear Boston & Braxton,
 
One thing that stinks about growing up is the fact that you have to work. Now, work is a good thing. I actually enjoy work. The thing that stinks about it is the fact that I have to miss seeing you guys all day. If I could bring you both to work with me, then it would be ok. I would much rather spend the entire day with the two of you.
 
In order to make my days a little better, your mommy will bring you guys to eat lunch with me at Sunset Park. And, I love it. It always makes my week when I get to see mommy and you guys at lunch.  It makes my days so much better.

As it has gotten colder, our lunch dates have been few and far between. But, I still enjoy them every single time we have them. 
 
I love you guys.
 
Love,
Dad


Saturday, December 01, 2012

The BC Christmas Parade...

Dear Dudes,

Christmas is a special time. It is a time for kindness. It is a time for love. It is a time for family. And, it is a time for fun. Tonight, we were able to experience the Boulder City Christmas Parade as a family. Sometimes, it helps to know low people in high places. Your Grampy Imlay is one of the kings of getting FREE stuff. Your Papi is the undisputed king though. On this occasion, Grampy Imlay got all of us into the Boulder Dam Credit Union Christmas Parade Party. It was a big pot luck with a bunch of great food and we got to watch the parade from the roof.
 
It was awesome. We could see everything from the balcony and they even had some heat lamps on to keep us all warm.
 
Nana and Papi were there.
 
Mema and Tutu were there too. I only got a picture with Tutu though.
 
And, this guy was there too...

Grampy and Grammy Imlay were there and so were B, Riss and your cousins. We all had a great time watching Santa come by.

Brax, you loved hanging out with your Papi.

And, Boston, you hung out mostly with your mommy and daddy.

And, in the end, you both crashed from all the excitement.

Too much Christmas excitement to handle. In just 24 days, you guys will experience your first of many Merry Christmases to come.

I love you guys.

Love,
Dad



 

 

 





 


Thursday, November 29, 2012

More Things to Never Speak Of...

Hold on! Wait!
 
Last time, no one called me CPS. Maybe, we just got lucky though. It is still imperative that this message self destruct after being read. Just like before, I really shouldn't show these things to the public, but I feel you should know about your childhood.
 
Your mother is an amazing woman. She is an incredible mother. It takes a special person to raise twins. In all the chaos, she will, on occasion, lose it. The following images may be disturbing, and I am not proud of the pictures.
 
The following 12 images are things that we should never speak of again. I'll try to get your mother to stop, but I cannot make any promises. If you want to relive the other things that we agreed to never speak of, you can go here:
 
Here we go...round #2 of things Mommy does.
 
Mommy will...
 
#1: Make you look like a hipster...
 
#2: Make you be a superhero that wears his pants on his head...
 
#3: Make you dress up like lil' turkeys for Thanksgiving...
 
#4: Make you perform daily as her own person Court Jester...
 
#5: Make you into a world-class synchronized swimmer by making you wear diapers on your head...
 
#6: Make you sport flaming dice tats on your chest...
 
#7: Dress you up and make you look like you are part of a 90's boy band... 
 
#8: Make you wear a BumbleBee mask, so she can pretend your stroller is a Transformer...
 
#9: Make you pause it with three seconds left in your game to eat some squash...
 
#10: Do This...
 

 Just like before...your mother is very creative in her daily activities. Being cooped up with you two has brought her so much joy but also made her a little bit more crazy.
 
Sorry CPS!
 
I love you!
 
Love,
Dad